*
banner

Judges named for US Open

The men in the box have been named for the US Open Championships later this year.

US OPen
 

The US Open Brass Band Championships and its sponsoring organization, Brass Bands International, announce the panel of adjudicators for this year’s contest.

This year’s US Open Brass Band Championships, to be held on Saturday, November 8th in St. Charles, Illinois at the Norris Center for the Arts and will be adjudicated by the following panel of judges:

Judges

William Himes, world renowned composer, arranger and conductor of the Chicago Staff Band of the Salvation Army. Bill has been a frequent judge for the NABBA contests and brings a wealth of brass band experience to the Open.

Dr. Peter Griffin, Assistant Professor of Bands at the University of Illinois and Conductor of the University’s famous British Brass Band. A frequent adjudicator and guest conductor throughout the country, Dr. Griffin is proud to serve as the conductor of one of the oldest and most established collegiate brass bands in the United States.

Dr. Dale Lonis will again serve as the chief judge of this year’s US Open. Dr. Lonis was the founder of the British Brass Band while at Northwestern University. He has served as the Director of Bands at the University of Missouri and the University of Winnipeg. He is currently the CEO of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, after serving a similar post with the Winnipeg Symphony in Canada.

This year’s US Open Brass Band Championships, to be held on Saturday, November 8th in St. Charles, Illinois at the Norris Center for the Arts4BR

Renton return

As he has since the very first US Open some six years ago, the inimitable Frank Renton will once again serve as the “Voice of the US Open” – the consummate brass band presenter, at both the contest and the gala awards banquet.

Line ups

The US Open committee will announce the complete lineup of bands for this year’s event within a few days as well as some other important news concerning the contest.

More detailed information about the event can be found at www.usopenbrass.org

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR

4BR Review — Episode 23

October 10 • Join Iwan and Chris as they look back at how the 2026 National Championship title was won and lost at the Royal Albert Hall in London last weekend — and some of the questions that arose from it.


Gregson

Gregson set for Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance

October 10 • Edward Gregson's 'Symphony in Two Movements' is to be performed by the symphonic brass and percussion ensemble of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra later this year.


Navigation Inn

Time please — as Navigation Inn closes doors...

October 10 • The most famous brass band pub in the world has closed its doors — perhaps for the very last time.


Blackford

Orbital countdown for Tredegar

October 10 • The fourth of the commissioning bands will perform Richard Blackford's 'Orbital' in West Sussex later today as Tredegar get ready for lift off in Ardingly.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Brass

Saturday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 10 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Garforth Brass - Annual Chairman's Charity Concert

Saturday 10 October • Miners Welfare Hall. 56 Main Street. Garforth . Leeds. LS25 1AA LS25 1AA


Bedford Town Band - Autumn Concert also featuring our Academy

Saturday 10 October • Putnoe Heights Church. Putnoe Heights. Bedford MK41 8EB


Regent Hall Concerts - Trafalgar Brass

Thursday 15 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Epping Forest Band

October 8 • Euphonium and solo horn wanted to join our friendly sociable 2nd section band. Based in Essex with close links to the M11 and the underground central line. Instrument's provided of required


Bedford Town Band

October 8 • Bedford Town Band are looking to recruit a Solo trombone and Repiano cornet . We are playing at the Wychavon Contest in a few weeks and are looking to be in the frame at the 1st Section Regionals . Rehearsals Thursday 7.45 at Castle Newnham School.


Pilling Jubilee Silver Band

October 7 • Pilling Band (ambitious 3rd Section Band North West) are seeking a few final players to complete their team under new MD Mark Vause. We are looking for 2 good front row cornet players, baritone, Eb/Bb bass and tuned percussion.


Darron Cleary-McHarg

MISM
Composer, Arranger & Music Educator


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd